Two years of planning, one year of construction and loads of anticipation from the dancers and staff have created a new facility for the KOHS Dance Program to flourish.

This new studio is needed to accommodate the growing number of dancers with 400 or more students enrolled in dance each year. Klein Oak has the largest dance department in Klein ISD and offers the most options for dance education as well. The Strutters Dance Team is in high demand of the larger space to practice altogether in one studio instead of having to use the commons every day.

“We needed a new dance space because we have been dancing in the middle of the commons for as long as I can remember,” junior lieutenant Lily Drago said. “The floor is made of concrete, which is extremely dangerous to dance on, and it’s important for us to be safe.”

The new facility is the first two-story dance building in the district. The first floor is used for the dance company and break crew. It is equipped with a marley floor, mirrors, locker rooms, and restrooms. It gives off a New York studio feel. The upstairs studio is house to the Strutters. Their space has a floated wood floor, mirrors, and a massive storage room. It’s designed to look like an LA dance studio.

This groundbreaking facility gives the opportunity for dancers to take their training to the next level.

“The new studio allows classes to have more room, an informal performance space, and lets the dancers be able to jump all the time,” dance teacher Fayla Curry said.

The dance programs have officially moved into their new studios and are ecstatic to have improved spaces to call home.

“I am thrilled to be a part of this incredible addition to Klein Oak,” Strutter director Shelby Polanksy said. “We know it’s making a huge impact on our students having an ample space to move in perfectly equipped studios where they can be inspired and thrive as artists, athletes, and stellar human beings.”